by Robin Layton
Celebrating the advent of fall and All Hallows’ Eve doesn’t need to leave your home covered in cobwebs and witches.
If you love the season, but not garish orange pumpkins and leering skulls, there are several tasteful autumn and Halloween decorations on the market for you. If you have a crafty side, you can decorate your own cornstalks, wreaths and pumpkin accessories.
A look for the living room
Picture your fireplace mantle or living-room shelf with glass pumpkins and a rustic metal lantern adorned with bundles of dried autumn flowers. Add a few battery-operated tea lights or twinkle lights to warm up the look.
Accent pillows in autumn shades of deep orange, dark green or gold will tie your fall theme together nicely.
Keeping clean lines in the dining room
Planning a dinner party this fall? Consider simple, yet elegant table decorations. Foam white pumpkins or painted real pumpkins for the centerpiece, surrounded by small glass votives will be nicely complemented by cloth napkins in autumn shades, with a cheery welcome of “Happy Halloween” on top.
Puttin’ on the glitz … on your pumpkins!
Who says pumpkins need to be orange? Grab some paint, glue, beads, ribbons and glitter and create the most attractive decorations on your street. Check out the “how-to” guide we’ve provided.
A welcoming and festive doorway
Wreaths say it all for any holiday or season. If you’re feeling crafty, hit your local arts and crafts store and pick up a plain straw wreath. You can then pick ribbon, flower or decoration colors that complement your home. A dab of glue here and there and you are ready to hang it up!
The farmhouse feel
Nothing says “sit down and stay a spell” like a wicker love seat with a fall-motif quilt draped over it. Add a rocking chair with a plump, burnt orange pillow, a small wooden table, some mums and a rustic bucket or two and … you have a relaxing farmhouse appeal to your patio or porch. Timeless and classic.
PAINT THAT PUMPKIN
- Wash your pumpkin and pat dry.
- Acrylic paint is best. Pick your solid color and paint the entire pumpkin. Let dry. Tip: Paint your pumpkin in sections and let each dry before you do another part. This way you won’t get stuck holding a very wet pumpkin.
- If you want to paint designs, use a template with transfer paper and a pencil.
- Paint your design. Remember, you can use a damp cloth to “erase” any mistakes.
- Once dry, use a glossy craft sealant to spray the pumpkin
- Now you can decorate your pumpkin as you’d like. Use glue dots or a glue gun to attach beads, sequins and more. (Before the pumpkin dries, you can sprinkle your choice of glitter as a decoration.)
COLORS TO MAKE YOUR HOME POP FOR FALL!
Pantone recently released the colors of fall for 2018. Although mostly used in the fashion industry, some of these colors will do wonders for keeping your home’s look updated and seasonal. Just a few pillows, a throw, a vase or a lamp in these shades are just what your home needs to be clothed in its fall and winter wardrobe.
- Red Pear
- Valiant Poppy
- Ceylon Yellow
- Russet Orange
- Quetzal Green
- Sargasso Sea
- Almond Bluff
- Meerkat
